Marriage in Mumbai

Time: Dec 10 2010 - Dec 13 2010
Place: Mumbai
Company: Traveled with parents, wife and daughter. Met all spouse's relations in Mumbai
Highlights:

Day 1:
Chalukya Express from YPR at 0630 hrs to Kalyan 2AC Train. Left Jayanagar at 0400 hrs, picked up wife and daughter from Jalahalli, went to YPR station and parked the car there. The train was very comfortable. Realized that I liked 2AC as much as I like the Sleeper! Very luxurious - what with curtains and bedspreads and pillows. Sometimes stifling with no fresh air unlike the Sleeper (esp because of the good weather outside) but overall very spacious - a much needed factor for a two-month old baby.

Day 2:
Reached Kalyan exactly on time at 0455 hrs. Took an auto to Dombivli. Refreshed and rested at bride's neighbour's place. Off to choultry at 1000 hrs and there we stayed till it was time to head back to Bangalore! General time spend with all spouse relatives - everyone excited to hold Paavani and play with her. Festivities, Feast, Pooja, etc went on as per schedule and tradition. Had a bit of fun at night with some competitions between bride and groom, some singing sessions, some games, etc.

Day 3:
The Wedding day of my brother-in-law. Due to late night sleep the previous day, was feeling drowsy and slept most of the morning along with Paavani! The main ceremony being done, it was now just a matter of time. Sure enough, it was 2100 hrs and we were on our way back to Kalyan station to catch the same train (Chalukya Express) back to Bangalore. It arrived half hour late. Snuggled cosily into our own cabin. 2 AC once more.

Day 4:
Entire day in train. Bit of an experience at Birur. Since train was about 2 hrs late, the service for snacks and coffee/tea had kind of dried out. So at Birur, got down to get 2 cups of coffee. While I took the coffee, the train started moving. I paid cash, got the 2 cups in my hand and saw that the train had gained momentum. Fearing that I will not be able to get on the train with the cups of coffee, I kept the 2 cups on the platform and ran to the speeding train and got on 3 bogeys behind my 2 AC coach and made my way back sombrely through the vestibules. It was my first such failure! To make up for it, I got down in Arsikere way before the train had stopped and got 5 plates of idly, ran back to get the change and was safe in the train even before it started. Finally reached Bangalore about an hour late at 2300 hrs. Dropped wife and Paavani at wife's place and drove back home.

On the whole, it was a nice family gathering. Little bit hectic because of the 2 month old daughter but to be fair, Paavani was most accommodating. She didn't fuss about much. Just grateful that it went well and it was over and done with! The first time on a travel with my daughter Paavani - and the first travel for Paavani herself!

630

Time: Dec 2nd-4th 2010
Place: Srikalahasthi, Tiruchanoor and Tirumala
Company: Parents and Maternal Uncle
Highlights:
Day 1: Left Bangalore at 1215 hrs in Alto. Reached Srikalahasthi at 1915 hrs. Nice and easy drive. Halted in pilgrims' guest house.
Day 2: Pooja at Srikalahasthi temple. Since we were early, it got done early. Else we had to face the brunt of the queue. Tiruchanoor at 1315 hrs. Quick darshan. Then, headed to Tirumala. Upon reaching Tirumala, went for Rs 300 darshan and was back in 2 hrs. Dinner and rest.
Day 3: Bath at Swami Pushkarni at chilly 0630 hrs. Rs 50 darshan at 0830 hrs. After satisfactory darshan, was back by 1100 hrs. Left for Bangalore after checking out by 1145 hrs. Pretty quick drive. Lunch at Giri's near Chittoor outskirts. Nice. Also stopped at Mulbagal Sripadaraja Swamy Mutt. Home by 1915 hrs. 630 kms of drive.